Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged, and often blue or purple veins that seem just beneath the skin, generally on the legs. As for many individuals, their presence produces more disheartening health issues than looking beautiful. It is a source of discomfort and pain and may lead to more severe health problems, depending upon varicose veins when left untreated.
Modern technological achievements in the medical field have introduced faster, additional effective ways of treating varicose veins and also more comfortable ones. One method that has proved very effective and is used by many people today is laser treatment for varicose veins. Here you will learn a few essential facts about laser treatment for varicose veins, and we will answer your questions about how the laser treatment for varicose veins is done, whether it has yet practiced on people, and any accompanying worries and concerns you might have about laser treatment.
The next pertinent question is, “What are varicose veins where do they come from?” By looking a few pages back, you shall find that veins are sometimes referred to as blood vessels whose main function is to direct blood back to one’s heart when blood flow is completed in the rest of the limbs. These veins are said to have small valves that aid in blood circulation. Whenever these valves get weak or damaged, the blood is stored in the veins since it does not circulate freely in the body, causing those veins to be overextended and swollen, such as varicose veins.
Such a Medical Condition Is Known as Varicose Veins for the Following Reasons:
Age – It is because the valves of the veins are not strong enough.
Hereditary – If your mother or father has them, you have higher chances of getting them too.
Pregnancy – The pressure on the veins in the legs is higher.
Obese – More weight equals more stress on the veins.
Prolonged standing and sitting make it impossible for the solid blood to move.
Some other signs and symptoms depend on varicose veins:
Legs start aching or feeling heavy
The legs start to burn or throb
Edema: the swelling tends to occur when an individual engages in standing/sitting activities, which makes walking almost impossible
Itching of the surrounding skin
Stains on the skin
What Laser is Being Used for laser Treatment for varicose veins?
Put simply, the treatment involves directing a stream of focused light energy into the malfunctioning vein. Two main types of lasers are employed in this process:
Simple laser procedure – involves shining a laser on the skin surface. The skin tends to heat.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA, ELA, EVLT) – suitable for veins in the lower extremities up to the ankles that are more serious. This technique is also preferred and is most effective with deeper veins.
In the case of EVLT, a very small and thin metallic needle attached to the laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision in the skin. The laser energy heats up the vein from the inside, shutting off the vein. After that, the vein would be absorbed by the body as it is no longer in use, and the blood would find some other route for it to flow.
Reality or Myth?
There is a common misconception that getting laser treatment for varicose veins is not necessary since, based on the claims of many successful stories, it is painful. The procedure is precluded by the patient being anesthetized by a local block so as not to feel the pain. Additionally, there will be some slight aching or annoying feelings in the leg, which may sound painful, but then again, it is all relative; one way of treatment known as vein stripping was more invasive and very painful.
After an individual is operated on, some may feel minor pain and swelling, where a pulled muscle may be a good example of such discomfort, especially in the legs, and hence the term such legs, or it does not even last 24-72 hours. When you experience any discomfort, painkillers are usually sufficient.
So, How Long Does the laser treatment for varicose veins take?
Indeed, with or without anesthesia, the treatment of varicose veins using the process of laser is irresistible. The whole procedure is normally done within 1 hour or less, and patients are discharged within 24 hours. It is commonly referred to as “walk in walk-out.”
In fact, a majority of the patients go back to their usual schedules or normal activities the following day. Unlike so many years ago, conventional surgeries take a long period of time to recover as there is no need for lengthy hospitalization. This is why it is the most preferred method of treatment at present.
What Are the Good Points of Laser Treatment?
Here are some reasons why most people prefer laser treatment for treating varicose veins:
Low Infusion- No heavy surgery is needed.
Some or no pain –local anesthesia is used.
Speedy recovery – you do not have to stay inactive for long.
No marks- only a tiny prick or cut which heals perfectly.
Effective – a high percentage of clients get rid of their large veins.
Secured – no risks included of getting infected or any other side effects of concern.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
As with all other kinds of procedures, some complications can usually arise, but they are mostly mild. These may include:
Light bruising or swelling
Minimal discomfort
Redness and warmth around the area
Temporary numbness or tingling
Days after the procedure, only a small number of patients experience significant complications. These can be the following:
Formation of blood clots
Burning
Nerve damage (very rare)
Infection (very rare)
You can lessen the chances of these unfortunate happenings by listening to your doctor’s recommendations, wearing the appropriate garb, and abstaining from lifting anything heavy for a few days.
Who Can Avail Themselves of a Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?
Laser treatment is the preferred treatment for such individuals, with most people suffering from varicose veins being potential beneficiaries of the same, especially if
They are associating pain or discomfort with the veins.
Some skin changes or sores occur around the problematic veins.
There is a cosmetic concern over the leg veins.
However, it might not be appropriate in your case if you:
Wish to be suitable
Have a problem with clotting of blood
The medical specialist will examine you and even use a scanning device to ascertain the kind of venous circulation and, depending on the varicose veins stages, they will guide you for appropriate treatment before they are considering laser therapy.
What Ends up in the Procedure?
Following the therapy, you may be asked to don compression stockings for at least seven days. This is because they help in the aeration of the veins as they compress them, reducing the swellings.
For the benefits of impairment, you are expected to walk and indulge in light activities on the same day. This is good since healing will be enhanced. Nevertheless, for the few days following the operation, do not strain the area by performing vigorous exercises, taking steam baths, or standing for long periods.
Signs and improvement in symptoms are seen quite shortly by most people, and within a few weeks or months, the treated veins usually disappear.
Does Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins Remove Varicose Veins Permanently?
The use of laser treatment for varicose veins is highly recommended, as previous varicose veins are usually destroyed, and this is not difficult to achieve. However, it will actually fail to stop any further varicose issues that may occur due to an underlying cause, for example, weak vein valves or circulation.
To improve the success of such laser treatment for varicose veins and to lessen the probability of getting new ones, one ought to:
Engage in physical activity at a regular interval
Ensure that the body is at its healthy weight
Avoid prolonged standing or sitting most time
Put on support hose if directed to do so.
So, is it a logical state of affairs at the end of the day?
When it comes to laser treatment of varicose veins, the use of the laser is a fast, painles and fairly effective way of dealing with the occasionally embarrassing and usually agonizing veins in the body. This laser treatment for varicose veins is a major improvement on previous treatments, as it does not require long periods of recuperation.
If there is something you are suffering from, pricey varicose veins that are painful and itching, or you are avoiding certain kinds of clothing due to the appearance of your varicose veins, then this is the solution. If you are interested and think you may be a candidate for this form of treatment, make an appointment and talk to your doctor or see a vein specialist.
Finally, laser treatment for varicose veins does not have to be frightening, sickening, and painful. There is laser treatment that is safe, quick, and mode-changing.